10 Red Flags of an Investment Scam (And How Scammers Are Coaching You to Lie)

If you’re reading this, good. You’re taking the first step to protecting your hard-earned money.

At CurrencyFair, we’re seeing more of our older customers targeted by slick, professional scammers. They’re not just after your cash - they’re coaching victims on exactly what to say when we ask questions.

We’ve seen it before.
We’ll see it again.
But we don’t want that victim to be you.

Here are 10 red flags that scream ‘SCAM’ - plus the sneaky coaching tricks scammers use to cover their tracks.

1. They Promise 'Guaranteed' Returns

Scammers promise sky-high, risk-free returns.
In real investing, there’s no such thing as a guarantee - unless you’re buying a government bond, and even that has risks.

Scammer Coaching Tactic:
They’ll tell you to say, “It’s a private opportunity with a proven track record.” Don’t buy it.

2. Unsolicited Contact

You’re getting messages out of nowhere: a cold call, WhatsApp message, or social media DM.

Scammer Coaching Tactic:
They’ll coach you to say the contact was through a “trusted referral.” If you didn’t verify that referral, it’s a lie.

3. Pressure to Act Fast

Scammers create urgency:
“If you don’t invest today, the opportunity is gone!”

Scammer Coaching Tactic:
They’ll say, “Tell them it’s time-sensitive and you trust the source.”

4. They Ask You to Lie to Your Bank or CurrencyFair

If someone is telling you to say your funds are for something other than an investment, that’s a giant red flag.

Straight Talk:
If you need to hide where your money is going, you’re being manipulated.

5. They Use Sophisticated, Real-Looking Platforms

Some scams use fake websites that look like legitimate trading platforms. Some even give you a dashboard showing fake profits.

Scammer Coaching Tactic:
They’ll say, “Tell them you’ve already made returns and seen withdrawals.” Those returns? Pure fiction.

6. They Keep You Secretive

Scammers will say, “Don’t tell your family or friends, they won’t understand.”
That’s intentional - isolation makes you easier to control.

Real Talk:
If it’s legit, why the secrecy?

7. They Coach You Word-For-Word

We’re noticing more victims repeat the same phrases when we ask questions. That’s because scammers feed you lines to get past compliance checks.

Pro Tip:
If someone tells you exactly what to say to a financial institution, that’s not help. That’s control.

8. They Make You Feel Like You’re in a Special Club

Phrases like “exclusive offer,” “private deal,” or “only for a select few” are part of the con.

Scammer Coaching Tactic:
They’ll say, “Tell them you’re an experienced investor and fully aware of the risks.”

9. You Can’t Easily Withdraw Funds

If you try to withdraw and suddenly hit delays, extra fees, or excuses, you’re likely stuck in a scam.

Fact:
Real investments let you access your funds, period.

10. They Exploit Your Trust and Emotions

Scammers are master manipulators. They’ll build rapport, call you regularly, and may even share personal stories. This isn’t friendship. It’s a strategy.

Scammer Coaching Tactic:
They’ll prep you to say, “We’ve built a great relationship - I trust them completely.”

What to Do if You’re Suspicious

1. Stop all contact immediately.
2. Don’t send any more money.
3. Contact your bank and CurrencyFair. We’re here to help spot red flags.
4. Speak to family or a trusted friend. A second opinion can save you.
5. Report the scam to your local authorities.

Remember: If you have to lie to your bank, your family, or CurrencyFair 

You’re not investing. You’re being scammed.

We’ll always ask questions. That’s because we’d rather help you avoid a scam than process a payment that funds it.

If in doubt, pause - then call us.

Stay sharp. Stay protected.